2 May 2015

Fever suffer 1st defeat

1:59 pm on 2 May 2015

The race for top spot in the trans-Tasman netball competition has heated up with the Queensland Firebirds handing the West Coast Fever their first defeat of the season with a 56-48 win at Perth Arena.

Romelda Aiken of the Firebirds

Romelda Aiken of the Firebirds Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Romelda Aiken and Laura Geitz starred at either end of the floor as the Firebirds controlled much of the trans-Tasman contest to secure the eight-goal win.

With Aiken too athletic and winning her battle with Fever defender Erena Mikaere, and Geitz doing well defensively on Australian teammate Caitlin Bassett, the Firebirds close to within one game of the Fever on the table with a game in hand.

It became `the Aiken Show' as the match progressed, with the star shooter claiming 47 goals from 57 attempts.

Gretel Tippett had a night to forget, shooting 9 from 18, but she did put on some party tricks with Aiken in the final quarter.

Geitz did well limiting Bassett to shooting 35 from 39 attempts and while Nat Medhurst started well, she was shut down by Rebecca Bulley in the second half and finished with 13 goals from 15 shots for the Fever.

The Firebirds led by one goal at halftime, and three at the final break before taking complete control in the final term to cruise to an eight-goal win.